The Journal of arthroplasty
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Review Meta Analysis
Aspirin as Thromboprophylaxis in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) comprises pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis and is a complication of particular concern in lower limb arthroplasty. In recent years, aspirin has emerged as a potential alternative thromboprophylactic agent, particularly after its acceptance as a recommended agent by the American College of Chest Physicians. Aspirin is favorable due to its relative cost-effectiveness and convenience compared to novel oral anticoagulants and warfarin. However, its efficacy since its inclusion in the American College of Chest Physicians guidelines remains unclear. The present systematic review aimed to establish the efficacy of aspirin in preventing VTE in total hip and knee arthroplasty. ⋯ Aspirin, both alone and in multimodal approaches to thromboprophylaxis, confers a low rate of VTE, with a low risk of major bleeding complications. However, the evidence for its use is limited by the low quality of studies and variation in dose in dosing regimes. Future randomized controlled trials should investigate the efficacy of aspirin, as well as the ideal dosing protocol for its use in thromboprophylaxis in arthroplasty.
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Patient optimization is receiving increasing attention as outcomes monitoring and bundled payments have been introduced in joint arthroplasty. Optimization of nutrition is an important aspect of perioperative management. ⋯ Nutritional assessment and optimization should be a part of the perioperative management of patients undergoing lower extremity arthroplasty.
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Significant variability exists across orthopedic surgeons in the management of the displaced femoral neck fracture in the elderly patient (>75 years old). These patients tend to be less healthy, have inferior bone quality, and gait instability leading to increased risk of periprosthetic fracture, compromised implant fixation, dislocation, and need for revision. The surgeon's goals should be to restore mobility while eliminating pain and need for reoperation. ⋯ For the active, healthy, and lucid patient, or one who has preexisting groin pain, who sustains a displaced femoral neck fracture, the literature supports a total hip arthroplasty. Patients sustaining a displaced femoral neck fracture and who are less active, have decreased bone mass, and are at increased risk of falls would benefit most from a device that optimally balances the need for revision surgery, restores ambulation, and eliminates pain. Thus, the current evidence favors cemented, unipolar hemiarthroplasty for the dependent osteopenic elderly patient with a displaced femoral neck fracture.
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Review Meta Analysis Comparative Study
A Comparison of Short-Term Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Computer-Assisted vs Minimally Invasive Conventional Instrumentation for Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Median parapatellar approach is the most used for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). With the advent of enhanced recovery and shorter length of hospital stay, there is an increasing pressure on surgeons to perform surgery through smaller incisions. Minimally invasive (MIS) TKA allows earlier functional recovery; it is not clear if this is associated with more complications. It is also unclear if computer-assisted minimally invasive (MIS CA) TKA has any affect on improving patient outcomes. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing MIS CA vs MIS TKA. ⋯ Computer-assisted minimally invasive TKA is superior than the standard MIS TKA in terms of component positioning; however, it is unclear if this will have any long-term clinical implications. The increased operative time, although clinically relevant, does not appear to be associated with an increase in complications.
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Thromboprophylaxis regimens include pharmacologic and mechanical options such as intermittent pneumatic compression devices (IPCDs). There are a wide variety of IPCDs available, but it is uncertain if they vary in effectiveness or ease of use. This is a systematic review of the comparative effectiveness of IPCDs for selected outcomes (mortality, venous thromboembolism [VTE], symptomatic or asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis, major bleeding, ease of use, and adherence) in postoperative surgical patients. ⋯ Intermittent pneumatic compression devices are appropriate for VTE thromboprophylaxis when used in accordance with current clinical guidelines. The current evidence base to guide selection of a specific device or type of device is limited.